Exercise apparatus

ABSTRACT

An exercise apparatus ( 5 ) comprising:
         a user input device ( 5   i ) mounted to a frame for movement in a first direction ( 6   f ) and for movement in a second direction ( 6   o ) that is generally opposite the first direction ( 6   f ),   the user input device ( 5   i ) comprising a manually engageable device ( 5   e ) interconnected to a first fan ( 20 ) adapted to be rotatably driven to exert a first resistance (R 1 ) on rotation in one direction and a second fan ( 22 ) adapted to be rotatably driven to exert a second resistance (R 2 ) on rotation in one direction.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application incorporates by reference the disclosures of all of thefollowing in their entirety as if fully set forth herein: U.S. Pat. Nos.7,717,831, 4,725,054, 7,666,123, 8,070,658, 7,278,955, 8,025,609,7,727,128, U.S. Pat. No. D486,535, U.S. Pat. No. D490,127, U.S. PatentPublication No. 2003/0092541, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2007/0173384,U.S. Patent Publication No. 2006/0270531, U.S. Patent Publication No.2008/0167169, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2010/0204021, PCT/US15/019837filed Mar. 11, 2015 (7155WO0) and PCT/US15/019841 filed Mar. 11, 2015(7156WO0) and PCT/US15/019848 filed Mar. 11, 2015 (7157WO0) andPCT/US15/019855 filed Mar. 11, 2015 (7158WO0) and PCT/US15/019866 filedMar. 11, 2015 (7159WO0).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to machines that provide resistance tomovement of a mechanically movable component of the machine along firstand second paths of travel, and more particularly that providesresistance to movement automatically or sequentially upon movementbetween the first and second paths of travel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Exercise machines for exercising muscles such as shown in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,795,270, 8,944,969, 7,789,816, U.S. Patent No. 2012/0277071,WO2004108229 are known and used for providing resistance againstmovement of a force input device in one direction without providing anysubstantial resistance in the direction of movement when the inputdevice moves in an opposite direction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the invention there is provided an exercise apparatus(5) comprising:

a user input device (5 i) mounted to a frame for movement in a firstdirection (6 f) and for movement in a second direction (6 o) that isgenerally opposite the first direction (6 f),

the user input device (5 i) comprising a manually engageable device (5e) that is manually engageable by a user to drive the user input device(5 i) in the first and second directions (6 f, 6 o) along first andsecond paths of travel (6 fa, 6 oa), the user input device (5 i) beinginterconnected to a first resistance device (20), typically a fan, thatis adapted to be rotatably driven to exert a first resistance (R1) inresponse to driven movement of the user input device (5 i) in the firstdirection (6 f) and interconnected to a second resistance device (22),typically a fan, that is adapted to be rotatably driven to exert asecond resistance (R2) in response to driven movement of the user inputdevice (5 i) in the second direction (6 o).

In such an apparatus, the first fan (20) is preferably adapted to berotatable in a single rotatable direction (20 c) to exert the firstresistance (R1) and the second fan (22) is adapted to be rotatable in asingle rotational direction (22 cc) to exert the second resistance (R2).

The apparatus can include a clutch apparatus (26) that is interconnectedbetween the user input device (5 i) and the first fan (20) and betweenthe user input device (5 i) the second fan (22), the clutch apparatusbeing adapted to automatically or sequentially change drivinginterconnection of the user input device (5 i) between the first andsecond resistances (R1, R2) on a change in movement (6 f, 6 o) of theuser input device (5 i) between the first direction (6 f) and the seconddirection (6 o).

The first (20) and second (22) fans are preferably respectivelyinterconnected to the user input device (5 i) via first and secondone-way rotation devices (26) that limit driven rotation (20 c, 22 cc)of the first and second fans by movement of the user input device to asingle rotational direction.

The first and second fans can create first (R1) and second (R2)resistances that are different when the degree of the first (6 p, FF)and second (6 t, SF) selected amounts of force exerted on the engagementdevice are different.

The first and second fans can be sized such that they create first (R1)and second (R2) resistances that are different when the speed orvelocity of travel of the user input device (5 i) along the first andsecond paths of travel (6 fa, 6 oa) are the same.

The first (6 fa) and second (6 oa) paths of travel can be the same ordifferent from each other.

Typically, one or the other or both of (a) the degree of the firstresistance (R1) varies with the degree of the first selected amount offorce (6 p) exerted on the engagement device and (b) the degree of thesecond resistance (R2) varies with the degree of the second selectedamount of force (6 t) exerted on the engagement device.

The degree of the first resistance (R1) exerted by the first fan (20)and the degree of the second resistance (R2) exerted by the second fan(22) can vary differently with the degree of force (6 p, 6 t) exerted onthe engagement device.

One or the other or both of the first and second fans can comprise aneddy current brake.

In another aspect of the invention there is provided a method ofperforming an exercise comprising a user's manually engaging themanually engageable device (5 e) of all of the exercise apparatuses (5)described above and exerting the first (6 p) and second (6 t) selectedamounts of force thereon.

In another aspect of the invention there is provided an exerciseapparatus (5) comprising:

a user input device (5 i) mounted to a frame for movement in a firstdirection (6 f) and for movement in a second direction (6 o) that isgenerally opposite the first direction,

the user input device (5 i) comprising a unitary or single piece member(23, 24, 24 s, 24 t, 30) interconnected to a first resistance devicesuch as a first fan (20) and a second resistance device such as a secondfan (22),

the first resistance device being adapted to exert a first resistance(R1) to movement of the unitary or single piece member in the firstdirection, the second resistance device being adapted to exert a secondresistance (R2) to movement of the unitary or single piece member in thesecond direction,

the user input device (5 i) including an engagement device (5 e) that ismanually engageable by a user to exert first and second selected amountsof force (6 p, 6 t) respectively to manually drive the user input deviceagainst the first and second resistances respectively to cause the userinput device to travel in the first and second directions respectively.

In such an apparatus the first fan is preferably interconnected to theuser input device (5 i) such that the first fan is rotatably drivable onmovement of the user input device solely in a first direction (20 c) tocreate the first resistance (R1) and the second fan is interconnected tothe user input device such that the second fan is rotatably drivable onmovement of the user input device solely in a second direction (22 cc)to create the second resistance (R2).

Such an apparatus preferably further includes a clutch apparatus (26)that is interconnected between the user input device and the first fanand the second fan, the clutch apparatus being adapted to automaticallyor sequentially change driving interconnection of the user input device(5 i) between the first and second resistances (R1, R2) on a change inmovement of the user input device between the first direction and thesecond direction.

The first and second fans (20, 22) are typically respectivelyinterconnected to the user input device (5 i) via first and secondone-way rotation devices (26 c, 26 cc) that limit driven rotation of thefirst and second fans by movement of the user input device to a singlerotational direction (20 c, 22 cc).

The first and second fans typically create first and second resistances(R1, R2) that are different when the degree of the first and secondselected amounts of force exerted on the engagement device are differentor when the velocity of movement of the engagement device in the firstand second directions (6 f, 6 o) is the same.

The first and second fans can have first and second diameters (D1, D2)that are different from each other.

The first and second paths of travel (6 fa, 6 oa) can be the same or canbe different from each other.

The degree of the first resistance can vary with the degree of the firstselected amount of force exerted on the engagement device and the degreeof the second resistance can vary with the degree of the second selectedamount of force exerted on the engagement device.

The degree of the first resistance exerted by the first fan and thedegree of the second resistance exerted by the second fan can varydifferently with the degree of force exerted on the engagement device.

In another aspect of the invention there is provided a method ofperforming an exercise comprising a user's manually engaging themanually engageable device (5 e) of any of the exercise apparatusesdescribed above and exerting the first and second selected amounts offorce thereon.

In another aspect of the invention there is provided an exerciseapparatus (5) comprising:

a user input device (5 i) mounted to a frame for movement in a firstdirection (6 f) and for movement in a second direction (6 o) that isgenerally opposite the first direction,

the user input device (5 i) comprising a unitary or single piece member(23, 24, 30) interconnected to a resistance apparatus,

the resistance apparatus being adapted to exert a first resistance (R1)to movement of the unitary or single piece member in the first direction(6 f) and to exert a second resistance (R2) to movement of the unitaryor single piece member in the second direction (6 o),

the user input device (5 i) including a manually engageable device (5 e)that is manually engageable by a user to exert first and second selectedamounts of force (6 p, 6 t) respectively to manually drive the userinput device against the first and second resistances respectively tocause the user input device to travel in the first and second directions(6 f, 6 o) respectively,

the resistance apparatus being adapted to exert the first and secondresistances automatically or sequentially on a change in movement of theuser input device between the first and second directions (6 f, 6 o).

In such an apparatus the resistance apparatus can comprise a first fan(20) adapted to exert the first resistance (R1) to movement of theunitary or single piece member in the first direction (6 f) and a secondfan (22) adapted to exert the second resistance (R2) to movement of theunitary or single piece member in the second direction (6 o).

Such an apparatus can include a clutch apparatus (26) that isinterconnected between the user input device and the resistanceapparatus, the clutch apparatus being adapted to automatically orsequentially change resistance between the first and second resistanceson a change in movement of the user input device between the firstdirection and the second directions.

The resistance apparatus (10) is preferably driven or engaged onmovement of the user input device along first and second directions (20c, 22 cc) respectively to create the first and second resistances (R1,R2) respectively.

The resistance apparatus typically comprises a first resistance device(20) that is driven or engaged to create the first resistance (R1) onmovement of the user input device solely in the first direction (20 c,20 cc) and wherein the resistance apparatus comprises a secondresistance device (22) that is driven or engaged to create the secondresistance (R2) on movement of the user input device solely in thesecond direction (22 cc, 22 c).

The first and second paths of travel (6 fa, 6 oa) can be the same ordifferent.

The resistance apparatus is typically adapted such that the degree ofthe first resistance (R1) varies with the degree of the first selectedamount of force (6 p) exerted on the engagement device (5 i) and thedegree of the second resistance (R2) varies with the degree of thesecond selected amount of force (6 t) exerted on the engagement device.

The degree of the first resistance and the degree of the secondresistance can vary differently with the degree of force exerted on theengagement device.

In another aspect of the invention there is provided a method ofperforming an exercise comprising a user's manually engaging theengagement device of an exercise apparatus described above and exertingthe first and second selected amounts of force thereon.

In another aspect of the invention there is provided a back or abdominalmuscle exercise apparatus (5) in FIG. 4 comprising:

a frame (12),

a seat (16) having a forward edge, a rearward edge and a generallyplanar seating surface (PS), a foot rest disposed forwardly of and belowthe seating surface and a pelvic stabilization pad (18) having a lowerback engagement surface (ES) disposed at the rearward edge of the seat,

a user input device (5 i) mounted to the frame for movement in a firstdirection (6 f) and for movement in a second direction (6 o) that isgenerally opposite the first direction,

the user input device (5 i) comprising a unitary or single piece member(30) interconnected to a first fan (20) that is adapted to be rotatablydriven to exert a first resistance (R1) in response to driven movementof the user input device (5 i) in the first direction (6 f) andinterconnected to a second fan (22) that is adapted to be rotatablydriven to exert a second resistance (R2) in response to driven movementof the user input device (5 i) in the second direction (6 o).

the seating surface (PS) being disposed at an angle (SA) relative tohorizontal selected such that a rearward edge (16 r) is disposedhorizontally above a forward edge (16 f) and such that the user can sitin a forward facing direction on the angled seating surface (PS),simultaneously engage the user's foot on a foot rest (12 f) and push theuser's lower back (7) along the angled (SA) seating surface intoengagement with the lower back engagement surface (ES) by extending theuser's legs,

the user input device (5 i) including an engagement device (5 e) andbeing arranged on the frame (12) relative to the seating surface (PS)such that the user can manually engage (ME) the engagement device (5 e)when seated on the angled seating surface (PS) with the user's lowerback engaged against the lower back engagement surface (ES) of thepelvic stabilization pad (18),

the engagement device (5 e) being manually engageable by the user toexert first and second selected amounts of force (FF, SF) respectivelyto manually drive the user input device against the first and secondresistances R1, R2) respectively to cause the user input device (5 i) totravel in the first and second directions (6 f, 6 o) respectively.

Such an apparatus can further include a clutch apparatus (26) that isinterconnected between the user input device and the resistanceapparatus (20, 22), the clutch apparatus being adapted to automaticallyor sequentially change resistance between the first and secondresistances (R1, R2) on a change in movement of the user input devicebetween the first direction and the second directions.

The resistance apparatus preferably comprises a first resistance devicethat is driven or engaged to create the first resistance (R1) onmovement of the user input device solely in the first direction (6 f)and wherein the resistance apparatus comprises a second resistancedevice that is driven or engaged to create the second resistance (R2) onmovement of the user input device solely in the second direction (6 p).

The first (20) and second (22) fans are typically respectivelyinterconnected to the user input device (5 i) via first and secondone-way rotation devices (26) that limit driven rotation (20 c, 22 cc)of the first and second fans by movement of the user input device to asingle rotational direction.

The apparatus can further comprise a cam device (17) interconnected tothe user input device (5 i) in an arrangement such that the cam device(17) is movably driven or translated in a first direction (17 f)together with movement in the first direction (6 f) of the input device(5 i) and movably driven or translated in a second opposite direction(17 o) together with movement in the opposite direction (6 o) of theinput device (5 i)

In another aspect of the invention there is provided a rotary torsoexercise apparatus (5) (for example FIG. 5A, 5B), comprising:

a frame (12),

a user input device (5 i) adapted to receive and engage a selectedportion of a user's body and to rotate around a vertical rotation axisupon exertion by the user of a selected force exerted on the user inputdevice (5 i),

the user input device (5 i) being adapted to rotate (UR) around thevertical rotation axis in a first direction (6 f) along a first path oftravel (6 fa) and in a second direction (6 o) that is opposite the firstdirection along a second path of travel 6 oa, the first direction andfirst path of travel comprising clockwise rotation of the user inputdevice along a clockwise arc, the second direction and second path oftravel comprising counterclockwise rotation of the user input devicealong a counterclockwise arc, the user input device (5 i) beinginterconnected to a first fan (20) that is adapted to be rotatablydriven to exert a first resistance (R1) in response to driven movementof the user input device (5 i) in the first direction (6 f) andinterconnected to a second fan (22) that is adapted to be rotatablydriven to exert a second resistance (R2) in response to driven movementof the user input device (5 i) in the second direction (6 o).

The first fan (20) is typically adapted to be rotatable in a singlerotatable direction (20 c) to exert the first resistance (R1) and thesecond fan (22) is adapted to be rotatable in a single rotationaldirection (22 cc) to exert the second resistance (R2).

The apparatus can include a clutch apparatus (26) that is interconnectedbetween the user input device (5 i) and the first fan (20) and betweenthe user input device (5 i) the second fan (22), the clutch apparatusbeing adapted to automatically or sequentially change drivinginterconnection of the user input device (5 i) between the first andsecond resistances (R1, R2) on a change in movement (6 f, 6 o) of theuser input device (5 i) between the first direction (6 f) and the seconddirection (6 o).

The first (20) and second (22) fans can be respectively interconnectedto the user input device (5 i) via first and second one-way rotationdevices (26) that limit driven rotation (20 c, 22 cc) of the first andsecond fans by movement of the user input device to a single rotationaldirection.

The user input device (5 i) typically comprises a rotatable foot stand(5 fs) adapted to receive and engage the user's feet, the rotatable footstand being interconnected to a pulley (30 r) adapted to rotate (UR)around the vertical rotation axis in the first direction (6 f) and inthe second direction (6 o) in response to rotation force (6 p, 6 t)exerted by the user on the foot stand (5 fs). Such an apparatustypically further comprises a handle (5 xe) arranged on the frame (12)for manual engagement by a hand (UH) of the user while standing on therotatable foot stand (5 fs)

The user input device (5 i) can alternatively comprise a rotatable armassembly (5 as) (for example FIG. 6), adapted to receive and engage anupper body portion (UB) disposed above a waist (W) of the user, therotatable arm assembly (5 as) being interconnected to a pulley (5 ir)and adapted to rotate (UR) around the vertical rotation axis in thefirst direction (6 f) and in the second direction (6 o) in response torotation force (6 p, 6 t) exerted by the upper body portion (UB) of theuser on the rotatable arm assembly (5 fs). Such an apparatus preferablyfurther comprises a seat (16) having a seating surface (PS), the seatand the user input device (5 i) being arranged on the frame (12) suchthat the user's upper body portion (UB) above the waist (W) is disposedin a position for ready engagement with the user input device (5 i).

In another aspect of the invention there is provided a rowing or back,arm, abdominal exercise apparatus (5) (for example FIG. 7), comprising:

a frame (12),

a seat (16) having a forward edge, a rearward edge and a generallyplanar seating surface (PS), a foot rest disposed forwardly of and belowthe seating surface and a pelvic stabilization pad (18) having a lowerback engagement surface (ES) disposed at the rearward edge of the seat,

a user input device (5 i) mounted to the frame for movement in a firstdirection (6 f) and for movement in a second direction (6 o) that isgenerally opposite the first direction,

the user input device comprising a unitary or single piece member (30)interconnected to a first fan (20) that is adapted to be rotatablydriven to exert a first resistance (R1) in response to driven movementof the user input device (5 i) in the first direction (6 f) andinterconnected to a second fan (22) that is adapted to be rotatablydriven to exert a second resistance (R2) in response to driven movementof the user input device (5 i) in the second direction (6 o),

the seating surface (PS) being disposed at an angle (SA) relative tohorizontal selected such that a rearward edge (16 r) is disposedhorizontally above a forward edge (16 f) and such that the user can sitin a forward facing direction on the angled seating surface (PS),simultaneously engage the user's foot on a foot rest (12 f) and push theuser's lower back (7) along the angled (SA) seating surface intoengagement with the lower back engagement surface (ES) by extending theuser's legs,

the user input device (5 i) including an engagement device (5 e) andbeing arranged on the frame (12) relative to the seating surface (PS)such that the user can manually engage (ME) the engagement device (5 e)when seated on the angled seating surface (PS) with the user's lowerback engaged against the lower back engagement surface (ES) of thepelvic stabilization pad (18),

the engagement device (5 e) being manually engageable by the user toexert first and second selected amounts of force (FF, SF) respectivelyto manually drive the user input device against the first and secondresistances (R1, R2) respectively to cause the user input device (5 i)to travel in the first and second directions (6 f, 6 o) respectively.

The first fan (20) is preferably adapted to be rotatable in a singlerotatable direction (20 c) to exert the first resistance (R1) and thesecond fan (22) is adapted to be rotatable in a single rotationaldirection (22 cc) to exert the second resistance (R2).

The apparatus typically includes a clutch apparatus (26) that isinterconnected between the user input device (5 i) and the first fan(20) and between the user input device (5 i) the second fan (22), theclutch apparatus being adapted to automatically or sequentially changedriving interconnection of the user input device (5 i) between the firstand second resistances (R1, R2) on a change in movement (6 f, 6 o) ofthe user input device (5 i) between the first direction (6 f) and thesecond direction (6 o).

The first (20) and second (22) fans can be respectively interconnectedto the user input device (5 i) via first and second one-way rotationdevices (26) that limit driven rotation (20 c, 22 cc) of the first andsecond fans by movement of the user input device to a single rotationaldirection.

The unitary or single piece member (30) is preferably directlyinterconnected to a first drive axle (30 d) in an arrangement adapted todrivably rotate the first drive axle (30 d) in a first direction (30 f)together with movement of the unitary or single piece member (30) in thefirst direction (6 f) and to drivably rotate the first drive axle in asecond direction (30 o) together with movement of the unitary or singlepiece member (30) in the second direction (6 o), the first drive axle(30 d) being interconnected to the resistance apparatus (10) in anarrangement to drive the resistance apparatus (10) in response tomovement (6 f, 6 o) of the unitary or single piece member (30), thefirst drive axle (30) being interconnected to the first and second fans(20, 22) to rotatably drive the fans (20, 22) respectively in a singlerotational direction corresponding to the first and second directions (6f, 6 o).

In another aspect of the invention there is provided an arm curl orextension exercise apparatus (5) (for example FIG. 8A), comprising:

a frame (12),

a seat (16) having a seating surface (PS) mounted to the frame (12) in aposition such that a user can engage an underside surface of the user'slegs (USS) on the seating surface (PS) to be disposed in an uprightsitting posture,

a user input device (5 i) mounted to the frame for movement in a firstdirection (6 f) and for movement in a second direction (6 o) that isgenerally opposite the first direction,

the user input device comprising a manually engageable device (5 e) anda unitary or single piece member (30) interconnected to a first fan (20)that is adapted to be rotatably driven to exert a first resistance (R1)in response to driven movement of the user input device (5 i) in thefirst direction (6 f) and interconnected to a second fan (22) that isadapted to be rotatably driven to exert a second resistance (R2) inresponse to driven movement of the user input device (5 i) in the seconddirection (6 o),

an arm or elbow support (19) having an upper engagement surface (19 s)mounted and arranged on the frame (12) in a position vertically aboveand forward of the position of the seat (16) such that a user seated onthe seating surface (PSE) in an upright posture can readily engage anundersurface of the user's arms or elbows (PS) on the engagement surface(19 s) of the arm or elbow support (19),

the manually engageable device (5 e) being arranged on the user inputdevice (5 i) such that the manually engageable device (5 e) is disposedin a position that is readily manually engageable by the user when theundersurface (PS) of the user's arms or elbows are engaged with theengagement surface (19 s) of the elbow support (19).

In such an apparatus the first fan (20) is preferably adapted to berotatable in a single rotatable direction (20 c) to exert the firstresistance (R1) and the second fan (22) is adapted to be rotatable in asingle rotational direction (22 cc) to exert the second resistance (R2).

Such an apparatus preferably includes a clutch apparatus (26) that isinterconnected between the user input device (5 i) and the first fan(20) and between the user input device (5 i) the second fan (22), theclutch apparatus being adapted to automatically or sequentially changedriving interconnection of the user input device (5 i) between the firstand second resistances (R1, R2) on a change in movement (6 f, 6 o) ofthe user input device (5 i) between the first direction (6 f) and thesecond direction (6 o).

The first (20) and second (22) fans are preferably respectivelyinterconnected to the user input device (5 i) via first and secondone-way rotation devices (26) that limit driven rotation (20 c, 22 cc)of the first and second fans by movement of the user input device to asingle rotational direction.

The user input device (5 i) is typically interconnected to the first(20) and second (22) fans such that exertion of a first force (FF) inthe first direction (6 f) on the manually engageable device (5 e) drivesthe along the first path of travel (6 fa) and exertion of a second force(SF) on the manually engageable device (5 e) in the opposite direction(6 o) drives the user input device (5 i) along the second path of travel(6 oa).

The unitary or single piece member (30) is typically directlyinterconnected to a first drive axle (30 d) in an arrangement adapted todrivably rotate the first drive axle (30 d) in a first direction (30 f)together with movement of the unitary or single piece member (30) in thefirst direction (6 f) and to drivably rotate the first drive axle in asecond direction (30 o) together with movement of the unitary or singlepiece member (30) in the second direction (6 o), the first drive (30 r)being interconnected to the resistance apparatus (10) in an arrangementto drive the resistance apparatus (10) in response to movement (6 f, 6o) of the unitary or single piece member (30, the first drive axle (30)being interconnected to the first and second fans (20, 22) to rotatablydrive the fans (20, 22) respectively in a single rotational directioncorresponding to the first and second directions (6 f, 6 o).

In another aspect of the invention there is provided a pull down,overhead press exercise apparatus (5) comprising:

a frame (12),

a seat (16) having a seating surface (PS) mounted to the frame (12) in aposition such that a user can engage an underside surface of the user'slegs (USS) on the seating surface (PS) to be disposed in an uprightsitting posture,

a user input device (5 i) mounted to the frame for movement in a firstdirection (6 f) and for movement in a second direction (6 o) that isgenerally opposite the first direction,

the user input device (5 i) comprising a manually engageable device (5e) and a unitary or single piece member (30) interconnected to a firstfan (20) that is adapted to be rotatably driven to exert a firstresistance (R1) in response to driven movement of the user input device(5 i) in the first direction (6 f) and interconnected to a second fan(22) that is adapted to be rotatably driven to exert a second resistance(R2) in response to driven movement of the user input device (5 i) inthe second direction (6 o),

the user input device (5 i) being arranged on the frame (12) relative tothe seat (16) such that the manually engageable device (5 e) is disposedin a stationary start exercise position (SEP) that is disposed at avertical position located above the user's shoulders (USH) and isreadily manually engageable by the user when the user is disposed in agenerally upright seated position on the seat (16) with the undersidesurface (USS) of the user engaged with the seating surface (PS).

The first fan (20) is preferably adapted to be rotatable in a singlerotatable direction (20 c) to exert the first resistance (R1) and thesecond fan (22) is adapted to be rotatable in a single rotationaldirection (22 cc) to exert the second resistance (R2).

The apparatus can include a clutch apparatus (26) that is interconnectedbetween the user input device (5 i) and the first fan (20) and betweenthe user input device (5 i) the second fan (22), the clutch apparatusbeing adapted to automatically or sequentially change drivinginterconnection of the user input device (5 i) between the first andsecond resistances (R1, R2) on a change in movement (6 f, 6 o) of theuser input device (5 i) between the first direction (6 f) and the seconddirection (6 o).

The first (20) and second (22) fans are preferably respectivelyinterconnected to the user input device (5 i) via first and secondone-way rotation devices (26) that limit driven rotation (20 c, 22 cc)of the first and second fans by movement of the user input device to asingle rotational direction.

The user input device (5 i) is typically interconnected to the first(20) and second (22) fans such that exertion of a first force (FF) inthe first direction (6 f) on the manually engageable device (5 e) drivesthe user input device (5 i) along the first path of travel (6 fa) andexertion of a second force (SF) on the manually engageable device (5 e)in the opposite direction (6 o) drives the user input device (5 i) alongthe second path of travel (6 oa).

The unitary or single piece member (30) is preferably interconnected toa first drive axle (30 d) in an arrangement adapted to drivably rotatethe first drive axle (30 d) in a first direction (30 f) together withmovement of the unitary or single piece member (30) in the firstdirection (6 f) and to drivably rotate the first drive axle in a seconddirection (30 o) together with movement of the unitary or single piecemember (30) in the second direction (6 o), the first drive (30 r) beinginterconnected to the resistance apparatus (10) in an arrangement todrive the resistance apparatus (10) in response to movement (6 f, 6 o)of the unitary or single piece member (30), the first drive axle (30)being interconnected to the first and second fans (20, 22) to rotatablydrive the fans (20, 22) respectively in a single rotational directioncorresponding to the first and second directions (6 f, 6 o).

In another aspect of the invention there is provided a leg extensionexercise apparatus (5) (for example FIG. 10), comprising:

a frame (12),

a seat (16) having a seating surface (PS) mounted to the frame (12) in aposition such that a user can engage an underside surface of the user'slegs (USS) on the seating surface (PS) to be disposed in a sittingposture,

a user input device (5 i) mounted to the frame for movement in a firstdirection (6 f) and for movement in a second direction (6 o) that isgenerally opposite the first direction,

the user input device (5 i) comprising a manually engageable device (5e) and a unitary or single piece member (30) interconnected to a firstfan (20) that is adapted to be rotatably driven to exert a firstresistance (R1) in response to driven movement of the user input device(5 i) in the first direction (6 f) and interconnected to a second fan(22) that is adapted to be rotatably driven to exert a second resistance(R2) in response to driven movement of the user input device (5 i) inthe second direction (6 o),

the user input device (5 i) being arranged on the frame (12) relative tothe seat (16) such that the manually engageable device (5 e) is disposedin a stationary start exercise position (SEP) that is disposed at avertical position located downward and forward of the user's knees (USH)and is readily manually engageable by a forward surface (FUS) of auser's shin or lower leg when the user is disposed in a seated positionon the seat (16) with the underside surface (USS) of the user engagedwith the seating surface (PS).

The first fan (20) is preferably adapted to be rotatable in a singlerotatable direction (20 c) (not shown in FIG. 10) to exert the firstresistance (R1) and the second fan (22) is adapted to be rotatable in asingle rotational direction (22 cc) (not shown in FIG. 10) to exert thesecond resistance (R2).

Such an apparatus can include a clutch apparatus (26) shown as 26 c inFIG. 10 that is interconnected between the user input device (5 i) andthe first fan (20) and between the user input device (5 i) the secondfan (22), the clutch apparatus being adapted to automatically orsequentially change driving interconnection of the user input device (5i) between the first and second resistances (R1, R2) on a change inmovement (6 f, 6 o) of the user input device (5 i) between the firstdirection (6 f) and the second direction (6 o).

The first (20) and second (22) fans are typically respectivelyinterconnected to the user input device (5 i) via first and secondone-way rotation devices (26) that limit driven rotation (20 c, 22 cc)(not shown in FIG. 10) of the first and second fans by movement of theuser input device to a single rotational direction.

The user input device (5 i) can be interconnected to the first (20) andsecond (22) fans such that exertion of a first force (FF) in the firstdirection (6 f) on the manually engageable device (5 e) drives the userinput device (5 i) along the first path of travel (6 fa) and exertion ofa second force (SF) on the manually engageable device (5 e) in theopposite direction (6 o) drives the user input device (5 i) along thesecond path of travel (6 oa).

The unitary or single piece member (30) is preferably interconnected toa first drive pulley (30 r) in an arrangement adapted to drivably rotatethe first drive axle (30 r) in a first direction (30 f) together withmovement of the unitary or single piece member (30) in the firstdirection (6 f) and to drivably rotate the first drive pulley (30 r) ina second direction (30 o) together with movement of the unitary orsingle piece member (30) in the second direction (6 o), the first drivepulley (30 r) being interconnected to the first and second fans (20, 22)to rotatably drive the fans (20, 22) respectively in a single rotationaldirection (20 c, 22 cc) (not shown in FIG. 10) corresponding to thefirst and second directions (6 f, 6 o).

The user input device (5 i) typically comprises a shin or lower legengagement device (5 p 1) mounted and arranged on the user input device(5 i) in a stationary start exercise position (SEP) that is disposedvertically below and forward of the user's knee (KN) when the user isseated on the seat (16) with the underside surface (USS) of the userengaged with the seating surface (PS), the foot engagement device (5 p1) having an engagement surface ( ) arranged for ready engagement with aforward surface (FUS) of a user's shin or lower leg when the user isseated on the seat (16) with the underside surface (USS) of the userengaged with the seating surface (PS).

In such an apparatus one or the other of the of the unitary or singlepiece member (30) or the shin or lower leg engagement device (5 p 1) canbe adapted to reside in a stationary start exercise position (SEP) thatis disposed vertically below the user's knee (KN) when no force isexerted on the user input device (5 i) and adapted to be driven to anintermediate upper exercise position (UEP) that is disposed verticallyabove and forward the stationary start exercise position (SEP) when theuser exerts the first force (FF) to drive the user input device (5 i) inthe first direction (6 f).

The user input device preferably includes a second user engagementsurface (USP2) adapted for engagement with a rear surface of the user'slower leg for exertion of a second force (SF) downward and rearwardagainst the second user engagement surface (USP2) for movement of theuser input device (5 i) against the second resistance (R2) in the seconddirection (6 o) starting from an upper position (UEP) disposedvertically and forward above the stationary start exercise position(SEP).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and further advantages of the invention may be betterunderstood by referring to the following description in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side schematic perspective view of a generic exerciseapparatus 5 having a force input device interconnected to a subassemblyof resistance fans and eddy current brake disk that are mounted on acommon drive axle.

FIG. 1A is a schematic view of generic exercise apparatuses 5interconnected to fan resistance apparatuses comprised of at least twofans that are drivably mounted on a common drive axle.

FIG. 1AA is a schematic view of the paths of travel of anotherembodiment of a user input device where the device travels along twodifferent paths of travel in travelling from front to rear and rear tofront.

FIG. 1B is a front right side perspective view of an apparatus similarto the FIG. 1 apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a front left schematic perspective view of an apparatus shownfor purposes of explanation of the interconnection of different userforce input devices to a dual fan resistance subassembly showing drivenmovement of the input devices in one direction and in and in an oppositedirection.

FIG. 2A is view similar to FIG. 2 showing movement of the user inputdevice in one direction, a forward direction.

FIG. 2B is a view similar to FIG. 2A showing movement of the user inputdevice in a direction opposite the forward direction shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing two additional differentuser input devices.

FIG. 3 is an axial sectional view of one embodiment of a one rotationalway bearing or hub and a circumferentially mounted fan.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are radial sectional views of the one rotational waybearing or hub and circumferentially mounted fan of FIG. 3 eachrespectively showing rotation of inner race of the hub clockwise andcounterclockwise directions.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a back extension and abdominal exercise machineschematically showing the movement of the handle and force input leverfirst and second directions.

FIG. 4A is a front left side perspective view of the FIG. 4 apparatusshowing the user input lever driven to a forwardmost position.

FIG. 4B is a front left side perspective view of the FIG. 4 apparatusshowing the user input lever driven to a rearwardmost position.

FIG. 5A is a front right side perspective view of a rotary torsoexercise apparatus having a user rotary drivable foot standinterconnected to a dual fan resistance subassembly similar to thatshown in FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B.

FIG. 5B is a view similar to FIG. 5A showing the user rotary drivableinput device rotationally driven to a different rotational position fromthe position shown in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6 is a front right side perspective view of a rotary torso exerciseapparatus having an upper body or trunk engaging user rotary drivableinput device interconnected to a dual fan resistance subassembly similarto that shown in FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B.

FIG. 7 is a front left side perspective view of a chest and row exerciseapparatus incorporating a single or dual fan resistance apparatussubassembly similar to that shown in FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B.

FIG. 8A is a front right side perspective view of an arm curl orextension exercise apparatus showing a user and the handle or user inputdevice in a first forwardmost position for performing an arm curlexercise in a first rearward pulling direction incorporating a single ordual fan resistance apparatus subassembly similar to that shown in FIGS.1, 1A, 1B.

FIG. 8B is a view similar to FIG. 8A showing the user and the handle oruser input device in a second rearwardmost position for performing anarm extension exercise in a second forward pushing directionincorporating a single or dual fan resistance apparatus subassemblysimilar to that shown in FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B.

FIG. 9A is a rear left side perspective view of an overhead pulldown/overhead press exercise apparatus showing the handles or user inputdevice in a first stationary upper position for performing a pull downexercise in a first downward direction incorporating a single or dualfan resistance apparatus subassembly similar to that shown in FIGS. 1,1A, 1B.

FIG. 9B is a left side view of the FIG. 9A apparatus showing a user in aposition manually holding the handles of the user input device inreadiness to begin a pull down exercise.

FIG. 10 is a front right side perspective view of a leg extension/legcurl exercise apparatus showing first and second positions for a user'sperforming a leg extension exercise in a first direction and a leg curlexercise in another movement incorporating a dual fan resistanceapparatus subassembly similar to that shown in FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B.

FIG. 10A is a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein the term “user” means a human being in the normal sensehaving a head, a torso, a waist, two arms with elbows, two hands, twolegs with knees and two feet typically being between about 4 feet andabout 7 feet tall.

FIG. 1 shows in schematic, a resistance subassembly 10 drivablyinterconnected to one or the other of two input assemblies 5 a, 5 b ofan exercise apparatus. The two input assemblies are shown forillustration purposes how two different input assemblies with twodifferent user manually engageable input mechanisms 5 e can be arrangedto operate together with a resistance subassembly 10 as shown anddescribed herein.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 three (3) resistance generating fans, 20, 22,25 are mounted on mounted on a common drive axle 24. Depending on theprecise configuration of the exercise apparatus 5, one or more fans 20,22, 25 are preferred for use as a source of resistance to an exercisethat may be performed using a particular apparatus 5.

A movement or motion in a “first direction” and in a “second directionthat are generally opposite as used herein means two discrete physicalmovements in two directions that are different from each other indirection such as a lever, linkage, arm or leg moving forwardly and thenbackwardly, or a lever moving a first angular amount and thensubsequently a second angular amount in the same direction or indifferent directions, or an arm travelling through a first path oftravel of a first distance and then travelling through the same path oftravel a second distance, or an arm travelling through a first path oftravel a first distance and then travelling through another second pathof travel a second distance. Generally opposite direction does not meanthat the path of travel of the user input device takes in the firstdirection is the same or identical to the path that the user inputdevice takes in the second opposite direction but only that the paths oftravel in each direction are generally opposite. For example, generallyopposite directions occurs in the motion of a pedal of an ellipticalstride exercise machine where a pedal travels from front to back along adownwardly arcuate path and from back to front along an upwardly arcuatepath of travel. Similarly, the motion of a handle or lever in anelliptical rowing machine can travel generally back and forth in anelliptical handle motion, namely generally opposite front to back andback to front directions but along different upwardly arcuate anddownwardly arcuate paths of travel.

Generally, the path of travel of a user input device travels during thecourse of an exercise cycle from a first start position to a second mostdistant position and back to the first start position. The path oftravel can be the same linear or arcuate path in each direction or thepath of travel can be different from start to most distant position andback to start as in an elliptical motion.

The position of the start and most distant positions of the user inputdevice relative to the frame, seat, foot supports and the like can beadjustable. Similarly the length or degree of incline or angular travelof the path of travel from the start to most distant positions of theuser input device can be adjustable.

As shown, fans 20, 22 can comprise a fan that has blades 20 b, 22 b thatgenerate a resistance R1, R2 to rotation of the fans 20, 22 byinterference with ambient air or atmosphere upon rotations that variesnon-linearly, typically by a cube factor, with the rate of rotation ofthe fans 20, 22 and the rate of travel of the user input device 5 ialong the paths of travel 6 f, 6 o.

Fan 25 comprises a disk component of a conventional rotating eddycurrent brake that increases or varies resistance non-linearly (forexample exponentially) with the degree of increase in rotation of thefan 25.

In other embodiments of the present invention, the resistance apparatuscan comprise the use of a single fan 20, 22 or 25. For example, whenused in conjunction with the specific configurations of the FIGS. 4-10exercise apparatuses, the source of resistance can comprise either asingle disk 25 (and associated eddy current brake components) or to usea single fan 20, 22 as the source of resistance to movement of the userforce input device of the apparatus. The use of such a single fan as thesource of resistance can be configured to provide resistance to movementof the user force input device in either one movement or in twomovements (such as in both the back and forth directions of movement ofa lever) as described herein.

In other embodiments, the resistance apparatus can comprise the use ofat least two (2) fans, for example a pair of fan fans 20, 22 or a pairof eddy current disks 25, or a combination of a single fan 20 and aneddy current disk 25. In embodiments where at least a pair of fans areused as the source of resistance, each fan, 20, 22, 25 is preferablyadapted to be drivably rotatable in one rotational direction and each ofthe two fans is drivably rotatable in a rotational direction that isopposite the drivably rotatable direction of the other of the two fans.

Alternatively, in other embodiments, the resistance apparatus cancomprise a pair of fans 10, 22 as shown in FIGS. 1-10 and additionallyan eddy current brake disk

An exercise apparatus 5 according to the invention includes a user inputdevice 5 i such as a handle or a rotatable disc 30 r that is readilymanually engageable by a human being user via manual engagement of someselected portion of the user's body such the user's hands or feet withthe engagement element 5 e of the input device 5 i. A unitary or singlepiece member means a single or unitary structural element. In someembodiments the user input device 5 i comprises a single piece or aunitary member. A unitary or single piece member means a single orunitary structural element such as a single piece or unitary lever orarm 30, FIGS. 1, 1A, 4, 4A, 7, 8A, 8B, 9A, 9B that is driven by the userin both generally opposite directions 6 f and 6 o. Similarly a unitaryor single piece member is disc or pulley, FIG. 5, 5A that is driven bythe user in generally opposite directions 6 f, 6 o and is drivablyconnected to the mechanism that drives both fans 20, 22, such as axles24, 24 s, 24 t that drive(s) both fans 20, 22. Similarly, pulley or gear23 that is driven by the user's exertion of force in both generallyopposite directions and also drives both fans 20, 22 is another exampleof a unitary or single piece member. Alternatively, the user inputdevice could comprise a disc 30 r that the user might typically engagewith the user's feet.

The input device 5 i is mechanically or manually movable in at least afirst direction 6 f and in a second direction 6 o that is generallyopposite in direction to the first direction 6 f.

In embodiments where the resistance apparatus comprises at least twofans 20, 22, the fans are interconnected to the force input device 5 iand are adapted such that only one of the two fans 20 is driven bymovement of the input device 5 i in one direction or a first direction 6f and the other one 22 of the two fans 20, 22 is driven by movement ofthe input device 5 i in only one direction, the opposite direction 6 o.As shown for example in FIG. 1A, when the user input device 5 e of anexercise apparatus 5 a or 5 b is driven in a first or forward direction6 f by a forward force 6 p, only one fan 22 of the two fans 20, 22 isdriven in only one rotational direction, as shown in a counterclockwisedirection 22 cc. The other fan 20 of the two fans 20, 22 is notrotatably driven on account of a one way clutch or one way rotationaldirection hub 26 cc to which the drive shaft 24 is interconnected. Thusthe forward driving force exerted by a user on member 5 e to effectdriven movement 6 f by user exerted force 6 p of the manually engagedmember 5 e is resisted in only one direction R2 by the fan or fan 22that rotates in the first direction 22 cc.

Conversely as shown in FIG. 1B when the user input device 5 e of anexercise apparatus 5 a or 5 b is driven in a second or reverse oropposite direction 6 o only the other one fan 20 of the two fans 20, 22is driven in only the one opposite rotational direction by a userexerted force 6 t, as shown in a clockwise direction 20 c. The other fan22 of the two fans 20, 22 similarly is not rotatably driven on accountof a one way clutch or one way rotational direction hub 26 c to whichthe drive shaft 24 is interconnected. Thus the second, reverse oropposite driving force 6 t exerted by a user on member 5 e to effectdriven movement 6 o of the manually engaged member 5 e is resisted inonly one direction R1 by the one fan or fan 20 that rotates in theopposite direction 20 c.

The two fans can be mounted on a single common axle 24 or, as shown inFIG. 1A, on separate axles 24 s, 24 t. In either configuration whethermounted on the same axle as in FIG. 1 or on different drive axles FIG.1A, the fans 20, 22 are drivably interconnected 7, 7 a, 7 b and mountedto the axles 24, 24 s, 24 t via hubs 26, 26 c, 26 cc, 26 r that areadapted and configures such that only one of the two fans 20 isrotatably driven 6 fr, 26 c by movement of the input device 5 i in thefirst direction 6 f and only the other one 22 of the two fans 20, 22 isdriven 6 or, 26 cc by movement of the input device 5 i in the oppositedirection 6 o.

In embodiments where the resistance apparatus comprises at least twofans 20, 22 that are mounted on a common axle, the fans 20, 22 are eachmounted on the common drive axle 24 via a one way rotational directionbearings or hubs 26 c, 26 cc in an arrangement where the one way hubs 26c, 26 cc are mounted to the common drive axle 24 such that the fans 20,22 are limited to drivable rotation 20 c, 22 cc in a rotationaldirection that is opposite to each other, namely one fan 20 is drivablesolely in a clockwise direction 26 c relative to the other fan 22 whichis drivable solely in a counterclockwise direction 26 cc relative to thefan 20.

As shown in FIG. 1A when the user input device 5 i is driven or moved inone direction, such as a forward direction 6 f with user exerted force 6p, the interconnection of the input device 5 i to the fans 20, 22 isadapted such that only one fan 22 of the two fans 20, 22 is driven anddrivable in only one rotational direction 22 cc with the other one fan20 of the two fans not being rotatably drivable or driven at all.Conversely as shown in FIG. 1B when the user input device 5 i is drivenor moved in a rearward or opposite direction 6 o relative to thedirection of drive shown in FIG. 1A, the other fan 20 of the two fans20, 22 is adapted to be driven and drivable in only one rotationaldirection 20 c with the fan 22 of the two fans 20, 22 not beingrotatably drivable or driven.

FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B show generic exercise apparatuses 5 a, 5 b that eachhave a force input device 5 i interconnected to an engagement device 5 ethat a user can readily manually engage with a selected amount of force6 p, 6 t to drive the input device 5 i to move in a first direction 6 for a generally opposite direction 6 o. As shown, FIGS. 1, 1A the inputdevice 5 i of apparatus 5 a, can be comprised of a single piece orunitary lever 30 that moves or travels along a first path of travel 6 fabeginning from a first position 5 f in the first direction 6 f to asecond position 5 s. Conversely the input device 5 i moves or travelsalong a second path of travel 6 oa beginning from the second position 5s in the second direction 6 o to the first position 5 f. The inputdevice 5 i need only travel in generally opposite directions 6 f, 6 oand the paths of travel 6 fa, 6 oa of the input device 5 i need notnecessarily be configured such that the device 5 i starts in a singlestart position 5 f or travel to a single second position 5 s. The firstand second paths of travel 6 fa, 6 oa are determined solely bymechanical directional movement of the input device 5 i along paths ofany selected length or degree of arc or rotation in generally oppositedirections 6 f, 6 o without the input device necessarily having a singlestart 5 f or end 5 s position.

FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B show schematically for purposes of explanation, anapparatus 5 that has one or the other two alternative user inputsubassemblies 5 a, 5 b that include a mechanical assembly that acts asthe input device 5 i such as a lever 5 e, 30 shown in apparatus 5 a thatpivots to travel either forwardly along an arcuate back and forth pathof travel 6 fa, 6 oa, the path of travel of the manual engagement device5 e travelling along the same path in both directions 6 f and 6 o.Similarly with the alternative user input subassembly 5 b, the manualengagement device 5 e can be rotated in either a clockwise 6 f or anopposite 6 o counterclockwise direction, the engagement device 5 erotationally travelling along the same rotational path of travel in thefirst direction 6 f as the engagement device 5 e travels in the oppositedirection 6 o path of travel.

In alternative embodiments such as shown in FIG. 1AA the apparatus 5 ccan comprise an input device 5 i and manual engagement member 5 e thatare configured such that the manual engagement member 5 e does nottravel along the same path of travel in both directions 6 fa, 6 oa butrather along different paths of travel when travelling in oppositedirections 6 f, 6 o. For example, as shown in FIG. 1AA, the manualengagement device 5 e travels from a start position 5 ef in a firstdirection 6 f along a first path of travel 6 fa to a second position 5es and then travels back in a second opposite direction 6 o along asecond path of travel 6 oa that is different from the first path oftravel 6 fa. As shown the manual engagement device 5 e is interconnectedto a user input device 5 i that is interconnected to a resistanceapparatus as described herein. The apparatus 5 c can comprise, forexample, an elliptical cross trainer or stride machine where the manualengagement device 5 e is a foot pedal that travels along an ellipticalback to front 6 fa and front to back 6 oa overall path of travel, theinput device 5 i being interconnected to a resistance apparatus asdescribed herein such as one or more disks 25 of an eddy current brakeapparatus or one or more fans 20, 22 as described herein that areinterconnected to one way rotation devices or clutches. As with exerciseapparatuses having specific configurations such as described withreference to FIGS. 4-10, an elliptical stride exercise apparatus 5 c,FIG. 1AA could employ a single eddy current brake or a single fan as asource of resistance to movement in either direction 6 f or 6 o alongeither path of travel 6 fa, 6 oa.

FIGS. 2, 2A, 2B, 2C illustrate embodiments where the two fans 20, 22 areseparately 7 a, 7 b mounted on separate shafts 24 s, 24 t via one wayclutch hubs 26, 26 c, 26 cc that enables one of the fans 20, 22 to bedrivable in only one direction 20 c, 20 cc or 22 c, 22 cc in response toforward 6 f or rearward 60 o directional drive of the manuallyengageable member 5 e of an apparatus 5 c, 5 d. As shown, in FIGS. 2A,2B, 2C when an input device 5 i is driven in one forward direction 6 fonly one 22 of the two resistance fans 20, 22 is driven in one clockwisedirection 22 c while the other of the two fans 20 is prevented frombeing driven in a clockwise direction by a one way clutch 26 c.Conversely as shown, when an input device 5 i is driven in an oppositerearward direction 6 o only the other one 20 of the two fans 20, 22 isdriven in one counterclockwise direction 20 cc while the other fan 22 isprevented from being driven in a counterclockwise direction by a one wayclutch 26 cc. Thus upon any given movement of the input device 5 ieither forward 6 f or backward 6 o, only one of the two fans 20, 22, 25are rotatably driven and are driven and drivable in only one rotationaldirection. For example, with reference to FIG. 2C when an input device 5c, 5 d is driven in one direction 6 f only fan 22 is driven in aclockwise direction 22 c while fan 20 is prevented from rotating in aclockwise direction by one way clutch 26 c. Conversely when an inputdevice 5 c, 5 d is driven in an opposite direction 6 o only fan 20 isdriven in a counterclockwise direction 20 cc while fan 22 is preventedfrom rotating in a counterclockwise direction by one way clutch 26 cc.

FIG. 3 shows one example of a one way rotation direction clutch, bearingor hubs 26 in which rollers 27 are received within a receiving aperture27 a disposed between the inner race (axle) 27 ri and the outer race 27ro of the clutch bearing or hub 26. As shown the rollers 27 do notlockably engage the inner surface of the outer race 27 ro and freelyroll along the outer surface 27 ris of the inner race when the innerrace or hub 24 rotates in the 26 c 1 rotational direction as shown. Inthis direction of rotation therefore, the shaft 24 does not drive thefan 20 (FIG. 1) that is snug or force fit engaged with the outer surface27 ros of the outer race 27 ro. Conversely when the axle or shaft 24 isrotated is the opposite direction 26 cs, the balls 27 engage and lockagainst and between the inner surface 27 rois of the outer race 27 roand the outer surface 27 ris of the inner race 24, 27 ri thus causingthe fan 20 to be driven together with the axle 24, 27 ri in the 27 csrotational direction. Thus when the outer race surface 27 ros of aclutch bearing 26, in 26 c, or 26 cc (FIG. 1) is mounted in compressed,typically force fit, engagement with the inner surface 20 is of the hubof a fan 20, 22, 25, the fan will be driven by a rotatably driven axle24 that is being driven in the roller 27 locked or engaged direction 26cs. As discussed with reference to FIGS. 1, 1A, 2, the one-way clutches,bearings or hubs 26 c, 26 cc are arranged and mounted on axle 24 suchthat the outer race 27 ro of one clutch 26 c locks to cause fan 20 todrivably rotate when the shaft 24 is rotated in one rotational directionand the outer race 27 ro of the other clutch 26 cc locks to cause fan 22to drivably rotate when the shaft 24 is rotated in the oppositerotational direction.

FIGS. 4, 4A show a back extension or abdominal muscle exercise apparatus5 comprising a frame 12, a seat 16 having a forward edge 16 f, arearward edge 16 r, and a generally planar seating surface (PS), a footrest 12 f disposed forwardly of and below the seating surface PS and apelvic stabilization pad 18 having a lower back engagement surface (ES)disposed at the rearward edge 16 r of the seat, a user input device 5 imounted to the frame for movement in a first direction FD, 6 f along afirst path of travel 6 fa and for movement in a second direction 6 othat is opposite the first direction along a second path of travel 6 oa.The user input device 5 i, typically comprised of a single piece orunitary lever 30, is interconnected to a resistance apparatus 10 via anintermediate interconnection to a cam device 17 that has a cammedsurface 17 s that can control and vary the speed or rate of rotation ofthe resistance fans 20, 22 according to a predetermined profile 17 s ofthe cammed surface 17 s. The profile 17 s can be adapted to vary thespeed of movement of the resistance device non linearly or in a nonlinear relationship relative to the speed of movement of the inputdevice 5 i. The cam mechanism 17 is interconnected to the user inputdevice 5 i in an arrangement such that the cam mechanism is movablydriven or translated in a first direction 17 f together with movement inthe first direction 6 f of the input device 5 i and movably driven ortranslated in a second opposite direction 17 o together with movement inthe opposite direction 6 o of the input device 5 i.

The resistance apparatus 10 of the FIG. 4, 4A embodiment exerts a firstresistance R1 to movement of the user input device in the firstdirection 6 f or along the first path of travel 6 fa and exerts a secondresistance R2 to movement of the user input device in the seconddirection 6 o or along the second path of travel 6 oa. The seatingsurface PS is disposed at an angle SA relative to horizontal such thatthe rearward edge 16 r is disposed horizontally above the forward edge16 f and such that a human being user can sit in a forward facingdirection FW on the angled seating surface PS, simultaneously engage theuser's foot on the foot rest 12 f while pushing the user's lower backalong the angled seating surface PS into engagement with the lower backengagement surface ES by extending the user's legs. Such engagement ofthe user's lower back with the stabilization pad 18 and engagementsurface ES while under the force of the user's forcible extension of theuser's legs thus forcing the user's lower back into compressedengagement with the stabilization pad 18 surface ES enables stabilizesthe user's pelvis against twisting or lateral turning as well as againstfront to back movement while the user is performing an exercise.

The user input device 5 i of the FIGS. 4, 4A embodiment includes anengagement device 5 e and is arranged on the frame 12 relative to theseating surface PS such that the user can manually engage ME theengagement device 5 e when seated on the angled seating surface PS withthe user's lower back engaged against the lower back engagement surfaceES of the pelvic stabilization pad 18. The arrangement of the engagementdevice 5 e relative to the angled SA seat 16 thus requires the user toexercise the user's abdominal muscles in order to exert first FF andsecond SF selected amounts of force respectively to manually drive theuser input device 5 i against the first and second resistances R1, R2respectively which causes the user input device 5 i to travel in thefirst 6 f and second 6 o directions respectively. As shown in FIGS. 4,4A, the input device 5 i is drivably interconnected via pulleys 5 p,belts and chains 5 z to an intermediate drive axle 23 a that isinterconnected via a pulley 23 and belt 23 b to the drive axle 24. Thedrive axle 24 drives a dual fan resistance subassembly 10 as describedabove preferably an assembly comprised of two fans as shown in FIGS. 1,2, 3, 3A that are mounted on one way rotation direction bearings suchthat the first resistance R1 is exerted solely by one of the fans 20, 22and the second resistance R2 is exerted solely by the other of the fans.An eddy current brake disk 25 can be included to exert a selectableamount of resistance in addition to whatever resistance that fans 20, 22exert to movement of the input device 5 i in the first 6 f and secondopposite 6 o directions under the selected amounts of force FF, SFexerted by the user.

FIGS. 5A and 6 show a torso rotation exercise apparatus comprising aframe 12, a user input device 5 i mounted on the frame 12 having anengagement device 5 e comprised of a rotatable foot stand 5 fs orrotatable arm assembly 5 as adapted to receive and engage a selectedportion of a user's torso such as the user's feet on the surface of thefoot pedal 5 fs. The user input device 5 i comprised of a single pieceor unitary pulley 30 r is adapted to rotate UR in a first direction 6 falong a first path of travel 6 fa and in a second direction 6 o that isopposite the first direction along a second path of travel 6 oa, thefirst direction and first path of travel comprising clockwise rotationof the user input device along a clockwise arc, the second direction andsecond path of travel comprising counterclockwise rotation of the userinput device along a counterclockwise arc. The user input device 5 i isinterconnected to a resistance apparatus 10 via a series of pulleys,belts and the like 10 i. The resistance apparatus 10 exerts a firstresistance R1 to user exerted force FF to cause movement of the userinput device in the first direction 6 f or along the first path oftravel 6 fa and exerts a second resistance R2 to the user force to causemovement of the user input device in the second opposite direction 6 oor along the second path of travel 6 oa. The engagement device 5 e isreadily engageable with a portion of the user's torso such as a foot orhand or arm. As shown, the apparatus 5 includes one or more upper torsoengageable pads 5 x and handles 5 xe that a user who is standing uprighton foot receiving pedal surfaces 5 fs can engages with their back orchest or shoulders, 5 x or with their hands 5 xe to facilitate theuser's performing a torso rotation exercise UR while standing upright.

As shown in the FIGS. 5A, 5B embodiment, a user's feet UF are placedonto an upper facing surface 5 fs of the pedals 5 e of the input device5 i. Once the user is standing with feet on the surfaces 5 fs, the userexerts exercise force 6 p to forcibly rotate UR the input device 5 i inone direction to cause one of the two fans 20 to exert resistance R1against the user force 6 p. Conversely the user exerts a force in theopposite direction 6 t to forcibly rotate UR the input device 5 i in anopposite direction to cause the other of the two fans 22 to exert asecond resistance R2. As shown, the user input device 5 i isinterconnected to a drive pulley 30 r that is in turn interconnected tothe two fans in the same or similar manner as described above withreference to FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 2C, 3.

In the FIG. 6 embodiment, the engagement device is a padded arm or handengagement arm that is mounted via a linkage 5I to an overhead axle orhub 5 ir that is rotatable around axis A. The user input device 5 i isthus rotatably drivable around axis A in first and second directionsalong first and second paths of travel against first and secondresistances exerted by fans 20, 22 in response to a user's engaging theengagement device's padded arms 5 e and using selected upper torsomuscles to exert force UR to rotate the user's upper torso while theuser maintains engagement with the engagement device 5 e. The inputdevice 5 i is drivably interconnected via gears, pulleys, belts, chainsand the like 10 i to an intermediate drive axle 23 a that isinterconnected via a pulley 23 and belt to the drive axle 24 on whichfans 20, 22 are drivably mounted. The drive axle 24 drives a dual fanresistance subassembly 10 as described above preferably an assemblycomprised of two fans as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 3A that are mounted onone way rotation direction bearings such that the first resistance R1 isexerted solely by one of the fans 20, 22 and the second resistance R2 isexerted solely by the other of the fans. An eddy current brake disk 25can be included to exert a selectable amount of resistance in additionto whatever resistance that fans 20, 22 exert to movement of the inputdevice 5 i in the first 6 f and second opposite 6 o directions under theselected amounts of force FF, SF exerted by the user.

FIG. 7 shows a chest and rowing exercise apparatus 5 comprised of aframe 12 on which is mounted a foot rest 12 f and a seat 16 that aremounted on the frame in an arrangement to enable a user's sitting on theseat 16 with the user's foot engaged with the foot rest 12 f inperformance of a row or chest exercise. The seating surface PS isdisposed at an angle SA relative to horizontal such that the rearwardedge 16 r is disposed horizontally above the forward edge 16 f and suchthat a human being user can sit in a forward facing direction FW on theangled seating surface PS, simultaneously engage the user's foot on thefoot rest 12 f and push the user's lower back along the angled seatingsurface PS into engagement with the lower back engagement surface ES byextending the user's legs. Such engagement of the user's lower back withthe stabilization pad 18 and engagement surface ES while under the forceof the user's forcible extension of the user's legs forcing the user'slower back into compressed engagement with the stabilization pad 18surface ES enables the user to thus stabilize the user's pelvis whileperforming an exercise.

The FIG. 7 apparatus 5 includes a user input device 5 e mounted to theframe 12 for movement in a first direction 6 f along a first path oftravel 6 fa and in a second opposite direction 6 o along a second pathof travel 6 oa. The user input device 5 i typically comprises a singlepiece or unitary lever or arm 30 that is pivotably mounted for rotationaround axis A. The input device 5 i is drivably interconnected by gears,belts, pulleys 30 r, 23, chains and the like to a resistance apparatus10 that exerts a first resistance R1 to movement 6 f of the user inputdevice 5 i in the first direction 6 f or along the first path of travel6 fa and exerts a second resistance R2 to movement of the user inputdevice 5 i in the second direction 6 o or along the second path oftravel 6 oa. The user input device 5 i includes an engagement device 5 esuch as a handle and is arranged on the frame 12 relative to the seat 16such that the engagement device 5 e is readily manually engageable ME bythe user when the user is seated on the seat surface PS of the seat 16enabling the user to exert first and second selected amounts of forceFF, SF respectively to manually drive the user input device in the firstand second directions 6 f, 6 o along the first and second paths oftravel 6 fa, 6 oa against the first and second resistances, R1, R2. Theinput device 5 i and unitary member 30 is drivably interconnected to anintermediate drive axle 30 d that is interconnected directly to a pulley30 r and belt to the drive axle 24 on which fans 20, 22 are drivablymounted. The intermediate drive axle 30 d is drivable in a first forwardrotatable direction 30 f and opposite direction 30 o together withforward driven movement 6 f and opposite rearward movement 6 o of theinput device 5 i. The drive axle 24 typically drives a dual fanresistance subassembly 10 as described above, preferably an assemblycomprised of two fans as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 3A that are mounted onone way rotation direction bearings such that the first resistance R1 isgenerated by one of the fans 20, 22 solely on movement of the inputdevice 5 i in the first direction 6 f and the second resistance R2 isgenerated by the other of the fans solely on movement of the inputdevice 5 i in the second direction 6 o. An eddy current brake disk 25can be included to exert a selectable amount of resistance in additionto whatever resistance that fans 20, 22 exert to movement of the inputdevice 5 i in the first 6 f and second opposite 6 o directions under theselected amounts of force FF, SF exerted by the user.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show an arm curl apparatus 5 comprising a frame 12, anarm engagement or rest pad 19 and a seat 16 with a seat surface PSEmounted on the frame which is adapted to receive and support a user in asitting position on a seating surface PSE. The one or more armengagement pads 19 are mounted and arranged relative to the seat 16 suchthat a posterior surface PS of the user's arm at or above the elbow isengageable against an engagement surface 19 s of the engagement pad 19while the user is seated. The FIGS. 8A, 8B 5 has a user input device 5 icomprised of a pair of interconnected handles 5 e, a single piece orunitary arm 30 pivotally mounted to the frame for rotation around axisAX to effect movement of the input apparatus 5 i in a generally upwardlyUW and rearwardly RW first direction 6 f along a first path of travel 6fa and for movement in a generally downwardly DW and forwardly FW seconddirection 6 o that is opposite the first direction 6 f along a secondpath of travel 6 oa. The user input device 5 i is interconnected 10 i toa resistance apparatus 10 that exerts a first resistance R1 to movementof the user input device 5 i in the first direction 6 f or along thefirst path of travel 6 fa and exerts a second resistance R2 to movementof the user input device 5 i in the second direction 6 o or along thesecond path of travel 6 oa. The user input device 5 i includes anengagement device such as handles 5 e that are arranged relative to theseat 16 such that the engagement device 5 e is manually engageable ME bythe user's hand for application of first FF and second SF selectedamounts of force respectively to manually drive the user input device 5i in the first and second directions 6 f, 6 o along the first and secondpaths of travel, 6 fa, 6 oa against the first and second resistances R1,R2 when the user is seated in the seat with the posterior surface of theuser's upper arm at or above the elbow engaged against the engagementpad. The input device 5 i is drivably interconnected via one or moregears, pulleys, belts, chains and the like 10 i, such as pulley 33 andchain 5 z that are interconnected to intermediate drive axle 23 a thatis interconnected via a pulley 23 and belt 23 b to the drive axle 24 onwhich fans 20, 22 are drivably mounted. The drive axle 24 typicallydrives a dual fan resistance subassembly 10 as described above,preferably an assembly comprised of two fans as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3that are mounted on one way rotation direction bearings such that thefirst resistance R1 is exerted by one of the fans 20, 22 is generatedsolely on movement of the input device 5 i in the first direction 6 fand the second resistance R2 is generated by the other of the fanssolely on movement of the input device 5 i in the second direction 6 o.An eddy current brake disk 25 can be included to exert a selectableamount of resistance in addition to whatever resistance that fans 20, 22exert to movement of the input device 5 i in the first 6 f and secondopposite 6 o directions under the selected amounts of force FF, SFexerted by the user.

FIGS. 9A, 9B show a pull down exercise apparatus 5 comprising a frame12, a seat 16 mounted to the frame having a seating surface S forseating a user having a trunk T1 having a longitudinal axis LA. Theapparatus 5 includes a user input device 5 i comprised of a single pieceor unitary arm 30 pivotably mounted to the frame 12 for rotation aroundaxis AX. The single piece or unitary arm 30 includes an engagementdevice 5 e manually engageable ME by the user's hand 17 for exertion offirst FF and second SF selected amounts of force to drive the user inputdevice in first and second directions 6 f, 60 along first and secondpaths of travel 6 fa, 6 oa. The user input device 5 i is typicallyadapted to reside in a start motionless position SMP that disposes theengagement device 5 e in a start exercise position that is disposedvertically above the user's trunk T1 when the user is seated on theseating surface PSE in an orientation where the longitudinal axis LA ofthe user's trunk T1 is disposed generally upright. The user input device5 i is interconnected to a resistance apparatus 10. The arm 30 isrotatably pivotable around a linear axis AX for movement starting fromthe start motionless position SMP in a first direction 6 f through agenerally rearward RW and downward DW first path of travel 6 fa under afirst resistance R1 exerted by the resistance apparatus 10 againstapplication of the first selected amount of force FF that is rearwardlyor downwardly directed by the user on the engagement device 5 e.Conversely, the arm 30 is rotatably pivotable around a linear axis A formovement starting from downward position in a second direction 6 othrough a generally forward FW and upward UW second path of travel 6 oaunder a second resistance R2 exerted by the resistance apparatus 10against application of the second selected amount of force SF that isforwardly FW or upwardly UW directed by the user on the engagementdevice 5. The engagement device 5 e is arranged relative to the seat 16such that the engagement device 5 e is manually engageable ME by theuser at a position vertically above the user's shoulders when the useris seated on the seat 16 such that the user can exert the first andsecond selected amounts of force FF, SF respectively to manually drivethe user input device 5 e in the first and second directions 6 f, 6 oalong the first and second paths of travel 6 fa, 6 oa against the firstand second resistances R1, R2. As shown, the user's exertion of force FFin the first direction 6 f cause the unitary arm member 30 to rotateunder resistance R1 beginning from a stationary upward start positionSEP downwardly with pulling force FF to a second intermediate downwardposition DIP. Similarly, starting from the downward position DIP of theuser input device 5 i, 30, 5 e, the arm 30 will travel under resistanceR2 to user force SF directed in the opposite direction 6 o. The inputdevice 5 i is drivably interconnected via gears, pulleys, belts, chainsand the like 10 i, such as pulley 33 and chain 5 z to an intermediatedrive axle 23 a that is interconnected via a pulley 23 and belt 23 b tothe drive axle 24 on which fans 20, 22 are drivably mounted. The driveaxle 24 typically drives a dual fan resistance subassembly 10 asdescribed above, preferably an assembly comprised of two fans as shownin FIGS. 1, 2, 3 that are mounted on one way rotation direction bearingssuch that the first resistance R1 is exerted by one of the fans 20, 22is generated solely on movement of the input device 5 i in the firstdirection 6 f and the second resistance R2 is generated by the other ofthe fans solely on movement of the input device 5 i in the seconddirection 6 o. An eddy current brake disk 25 can be included to exert aselectable amount of resistance in addition to whatever resistance thatfans 20, 22 exert to movement of the input device 5 i in the first 6 fand second opposite 6 o directions under the selected amounts of forceFF, SF exerted by the user.

FIG. 10 shows a leg extension exercise apparatus comprising a frame 12,a seat 16 mounted on the frame 12 and adapted to receive and support auser in a sitting position whereby the user can sit on the seat with theuser's legs bent at an angle at the knee KN such that the user's lowerleg LL between the knees KN and feet FT extend downwardly DW from theseat S toward the floor and forwardly of a rear edge 16 r seat 16. Auser input device 5 i having an arm 30 pivotally mounted for rotationaround axis A is mounted to the frame for movement in a first direction6 f along a first path of travel 6 fa and for movement in a seconddirection 6 o that is opposite the first direction 6 f along a secondpath of travel 6 oa. The user input device 5 i is interconnected to theresistance apparatus 10 that exerts a first resistance R1 to movement ofthe user input device 5 i in the first direction 6 f or along the firstpath of travel 6 fa and exerts a second resistance R2 to movement of theuser input device 5 i in the second direction 6 o or along the secondpath of travel 6 oa. The user input device 5 i has a lower leg or ankleengagement device that is arranged relative to the seat 16 such that theengagement device 5 e is manually engageable ME with the anterior FSUand posterior surfaces of the user's lower leg or foot LLF by the user'sbending the user's knee KN and engaging the user's lower leg surfacesFUS ankle or feet with an engagement surface UPS1 when seated on theseat 16 to exert first and second selected amounts of force FF, SFrespectively to manually drive the user input device 5 i in the firstand second directions 6 f, 6 o along the first and second paths oftravel 6 fa, 6 oa against the first and second resistances R1, R2. Asshown the user input device 5 i includes an arm 30 that is pivotablymounted on the frame 12 for rotation around axis A and is interconnectedvia linkages 10 i to drive shaft 24 in an arrangement that causes driveshaft 24 to rotate 24 r and thus drive fans 20, 22 on movement of theinput device 5 i in directions 6 f and 6 o along paths of travel 6 fa, 6oa. The input device 5 i is drivably interconnected via linkages, gears,pulleys, belts, chains and the like 10 i to an intermediate drive axlethat is interconnected via a pulley and belt to the drive axle 24 onwhich fans 20, 22 are drivably mounted. The drive axle 24 typicallydrives a dual fan resistance subassembly 10 as described above,preferably an assembly comprised of two fans as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3,3A that are mounted on one way rotation direction bearings such that thefirst resistance R1 is exerted by one of the fans 20, 22 is generatedsolely on movement of the input device 5 i in the first direction 6 fand the second resistance R2 is generated by the other of the fanssolely on movement of the input device 5 i in the second direction Inthe FIG. 10 embodiment, the user input device (5 i) can comprises a footengagement device (5 p 1) mounted and arranged on the user input device(5 i) in a stationary start exercise position (SEP) that is disposedvertically below and forward of the user's knee (KN) when the user isseated on the seat (16) with the underside surface (USS) of the userengaged with the seating surface (PS), the foot engagement device (5 p1) having an engagement surface ( ) arranged for ready engagement withan upper surface (FUS) of a user's foot when the user is seated on theseat (16) with the underside surface (USS) of the user engaged with theseating surface (PS).

One or the other of the of the unitary or single piece member (30) orthe foot engagement (5 p 1) can be adapted to reside in a stationarystart exercise position (SEP) that is vertically below the user's knee(KN) when no force is being exerted on the user input device (5 i) andadapted to be driven to an intermediate upper exercise position (UEP)that is vertically above the stationary start exercise position (SEP)when the user exerts the first force (FF) to drive the user input device(5 i) in the first direction (6 f). As such a user can perform a legextension exercise by exerting the force FF upwardly against the lowerfacing surface USP1 and against the first resistance R1 thus causing thefoot engagement device 5 p 1 and the arm 30 to rotate in the firstdirection 6 f starting from the stationary start exercise position SEPalong the first path of travel 6 fa upwardly toward or to the upperexercise position UEP. Conversely a user can perform a leg compressionexercise by exerting the force SF downwardly against the upper facingsurface USP2 of the foot or leg engagement device 5 p 2 against thesecond resistance R2 thus causing the foot or leg engagement device 5 p2 and the arm 30 to rotate in the second opposite direction 6 o startingfrom a position vertically above the stationary start exercise positionSEP such as the upper exercise position UEP along the second path oftravel 6 oa downwardly toward or to the start exercise position SEP.

An eddy current brake disk 25 can be included to exert a selectableamount of resistance in addition to whatever resistance that fans 20, 22exert to movement of the input device 5 i in the first 6 f and secondopposite 6 o directions under the selected amounts of force FF, SFexerted by the user.

What is claimed is:
 1. An exercise apparatus (5) comprising: a userinput device (5 i) mounted to a frame for movement in a first direction(6 f) and for movement in a second direction (6 o) that is generallyopposite the first direction (6 f), the user input device (5 i)comprising a manually engageable device (5 e) that is manuallyengageable by a user to drive the user input device (5 i) in the firstand second directions (6 f, 6 o) along first and second paths of travel(6 fa, 6 oa), the user input device (5 i) being interconnected to afirst fan (20) that is adapted to be rotatably driven to exert a firstresistance (R1) in response to driven movement of the user input device(5 i) in the first direction (6 f) and interconnected to a second fan(22) that is adapted to be rotatably driven to exert a second resistance(R2) in response to driven movement of the user input device (5 i) inthe second direction (6 o).
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein thefirst fan (20) is adapted to be rotatable in a single rotatabledirection (20 c) to exert the first resistance (R1) and the second fan(22) is adapted to be rotatable in a single rotational direction (22 cc)to exert the second resistance (R2).
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 whereinthe apparatus includes a clutch apparatus (26) that is interconnectedbetween the user input device (5 i) and the first fan (20) and betweenthe user input device (5 i) the second fan (22), the clutch apparatusbeing adapted to automatically or sequentially change drivinginterconnection of the user input device (5 i) between the first andsecond resistances (R1, R2) on a change in movement (6 f, 6 o) of theuser input device (5 i) between the first direction (6 f) and the seconddirection (6 o).
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first (20) andsecond (22) fans are be respectively interconnected to the user inputdevice (5 i) via first and second one-way rotation devices (26) thatlimit driven rotation (20 c, 22 cc) of the first and second fans bymovement of the user input device to a single rotational direction. 5.The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first and second fans create first(R1) and second (R2) resistances that are different when the degree ofthe first (6 p, FF) and second (6 t, SF) selected amounts of forceexerted on the engagement device are different.
 6. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the first (20) and second (22) fans are sized such thatthe first and second fans create corresponding first (R1) and second(R2) resistances that are different when the speed or velocity of travelof the user input device (5 i) along the first and second paths oftravel (6 fa, 6 oa) are the same.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 whereinthe first (6 fa) and second (6 oa) paths of travel are the same or aredifferent from each other.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein one orthe other or both of (a) the degree of the first resistance (R1) varieswith the degree of the first selected amount of force (6 p) exerted onthe engagement device and (b) the degree of the second resistance (R2)varies with the degree of the second selected amount of force (6 t)exerted on the engagement device.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1 whereinthe degree of the first resistance (R1) exerted by the first fan (20)and the degree of the second resistance (R2) exerted by the second fan(22) vary differently with the degree of force (6 p, 6 t) exerted on theengagement device.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising aneddy current brake interconnected to the user input device to exert anadditional resistance.
 11. A method of performing an exercise comprisinga user's manually engaging the manually engageable device (5 e) of theexercise apparatus (5) of claim 1 and exerting the first (6 p) andsecond (6 t) selected amounts of force thereon.
 12. An exerciseapparatus (5) comprising: a user input device (5 i) mounted to a framefor movement in a first direction (6 f) and for movement in a seconddirection (6 o) that is generally opposite the first direction, the userinput device (5 i) comprising a unitary or single piece member (23, 24,24 s, 24 t, 30) interconnected to a first fan (20) and a second fan(22), the first fan being adapted to exert a first resistance (R1) tomovement of the unitary or single piece member in the first direction,the second fan being adapted to exert a second resistance (R2) tomovement of the unitary or single piece member in the second direction,the user input device (5 i) including an engagement device (5 e) that ismanually engageable by a user to exert first and second selected amountsof force (6 p, 6 t) respectively to manually drive the user input deviceagainst the first and second resistances respectively to cause the userinput device to travel in the first and second directions respectively.13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the first fan is interconnected tothe user input device (5 i) such that the first fan is rotatablydrivable on movement of the user input device solely in a firstdirection (20 c) to create the first resistance (R1) and the second fanis interconnected to the user input device such that the second fan isrotatably drivable on movement of the user input device solely in asecond direction (22 cc) to create the second resistance (R2).
 14. Theapparatus of claim 12 further including a clutch apparatus (26) that isinterconnected between the user input device and the first fan and thesecond fan, the clutch apparatus being adapted to automatically orsequentially change driving interconnection of the user input device (5i) between the first and second resistances (R1, R2) on a change inmovement of the user input device between the first direction and thesecond direction.
 15. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the first andsecond fans (20, 22) are respectively interconnected to the user inputdevice (5 i) via first and second one-way rotation devices (26 c, 26 cc)that limit driven rotation of the first and second fans by movement ofthe user input device to a single rotational direction (20 c, 22 cc).16. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the first and second fans createfirst and second resistances (R1, R2) that are different when the degreeof the first and second selected amounts of force (6 p, 6 t, FF, SF)exerted on the engagement device are the same.
 17. The apparatus ofclaim 12 wherein the first and second fans have first and seconddiameters (D1, D2) that are different from each other.
 18. The apparatusof claim 12 the first and second paths of travel (6 fa, 6 oa) are thesame or are different from each other.
 19. The apparatus of any of claim12 wherein one or the other or both of (a) the degree of the firstresistance varies with the degree of the first selected amount of forceexerted on the engagement device and (b) the degree of the secondresistance varies with the degree of the second selected amount of forceexerted on the engagement device.
 20. The apparatus of claim 12 whereinthe degree of the first resistance exerted by the first fan and thedegree of the second resistance exerted by the second fan can varydifferently with the degree of force exerted on the engagement device.21. A method of performing an exercise comprising a user's manuallyengaging the manually engageable device (5 e) of the exercise apparatusof claim 12 and exerting the first and second selected amounts of forcethereon.
 22. An exercise apparatus (5) comprising: a user input device(5 i) mounted to a frame for movement in a first direction (6 f) and formovement in a second direction (6 o) that is generally opposite thefirst direction, the user input device (5 i) comprising a unitary orsingle piece member (23, 24, 30) interconnected to a resistanceapparatus, the resistance apparatus comprising a first fan (20) adaptedto exert a first resistance (R1) to movement of the unitary or singlepiece member in the first direction (6 f) and a second fan (22) adaptedto exert a second resistance (R2) to movement of the unitary or singlepiece member in the second direction (6 o), the user input device (5 i)including a manually engageable device (5 e) that is manually engageableby a user to exert first and second selected amounts of force (6 p, 6 t)respectively to manually drive the user input device against the firstand second resistances respectively to cause the user input device totravel in the first and second directions (6 f, 6 o) respectively, theresistance apparatus being adapted to exert the first and secondresistances automatically or sequentially on a change in movement of theuser input device between the first and second directions (6 f, 6 o).23. The apparatus of claim 22 further including a clutch apparatus (26)that is interconnected between the user input device and the resistanceapparatus, the clutch apparatus being adapted to automatically orsequentially change resistance between the first and second resistanceson a change in movement of the user input device between the firstdirection and the second directions.
 24. The apparatus of claim 22wherein the resistance apparatus is driven or engaged on movement of theuser input device along first and second directions (20 c, 22 cc)respectively to create the first and second resistances (R1, R2)respectively.
 25. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein the resistanceapparatus comprises a first resistance device (20) that is driven orengaged to create the first resistance (R1) on movement of the userinput device solely in the first direction (20 c) and wherein theresistance apparatus comprises a second resistance device (22) that isdriven or engaged to create the second resistance (R2) on movement ofthe user input device solely in the second direction (22 cc).
 26. Theapparatus of claim 22 wherein the first and second paths of travel (6fa, 6 oa) are the same or different.
 27. The apparatus of claim 22wherein the resistance apparatus is adapted such that the degree of thefirst resistance (R1) varies with the degree of the first selectedamount of force (6 p) exerted on the engagement device (5 i) and thedegree of the second resistance (R2) varies with the degree of thesecond selected amount of force (6 t) exerted on the engagement device.28. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein the degree of the first resistanceand the degree of the second resistance vary differently with the degreeof force exerted on the engagement device.
 29. A method of performing anexercise comprising a user's manually engaging the engagement device ofthe exercise apparatus of claim 22 and exerting the first and secondselected amounts of force thereon.
 30. A back or abdominal muscleexercise apparatus (5) comprising: a frame (12), a seat (16) having aforward edge, a rearward edge and a generally planar seating surface(PS), a foot rest disposed forwardly of and below the seating surfaceand a pelvic stabilization pad (18) having a lower back engagementsurface (ES) disposed at the rearward edge of the seat, a user inputdevice (5 i) mounted to the frame for movement in a first direction (6f) and for movement in a second direction (6 o) that is generallyopposite the first direction, the user input device (5 i) comprising aunitary or single piece member (30) interconnected to a first fan (20)that is adapted to be rotatably driven to exert a first resistance (R1)in response to driven movement of the user input device (5 i) in thefirst direction (6 f) and interconnected to a second fan (22) that isadapted to be rotatably driven to exert a second resistance (R2) inresponse to driven movement of the user input device (5 i) in the seconddirection (6 o). the seating surface (PS) being disposed at an angle(SA) relative to horizontal selected such that a rearward edge (16 r) isdisposed horizontally above a forward edge (16 f) and such that the usercan sit in a forward facing direction on the angled seating surface(PS), simultaneously engage the user's foot on a foot rest (12 f) andpush the user's lower back (7) along the angled (SA) seating surfaceinto engagement with the lower back engagement surface (ES) by extendingthe user's legs, the user input device (5 i) including an engagementdevice (5 e) and being arranged on the frame (12) relative to theseating surface (PS) such that the user can manually engage (ME) theengagement device (5 e) when seated on the angled seating surface (PS)with the user's lower back engaged against the lower back engagementsurface (ES) of the pelvic stabilization pad (18), the engagement device(5 e) being manually engageable by the user to exert first and secondselected amounts of force (FF, SF) respectively to manually drive theuser input device against the first and second resistances R1, R2)respectively to cause the user input device (5 i) to travel in the firstand second directions (6 f, 6 o) respectively.
 31. The apparatus ofclaim 30 further including a clutch apparatus (26) that isinterconnected between the user input device and the resistanceapparatus (20, 22), the clutch apparatus being adapted to automaticallyor sequentially change resistance between the first and secondresistances (R1, R2) on a change in movement of the user input devicebetween the first direction and the second directions.
 32. The apparatusof claim 30 wherein the resistance apparatus comprises a firstresistance device that is driven or engaged to create the firstresistance (R1) on movement of the user input device solely in the firstdirection (6 f) and wherein the resistance apparatus comprises a secondresistance device that is driven or engaged to create the secondresistance (R2) on movement of the user input device solely in thesecond direction (6 p).
 33. The apparatus of claim 30 wherein the first(20) and second (22) fans are be respectively interconnected to the userinput device (5 i) via first and second one-way rotation devices (26)that limit driven rotation (20 c, 22 cc) of the first and second fans bymovement of the user input device to a single rotational direction. 34.The apparatus of claim 30 further comprising a cam device (17)interconnected to the user input device (5 i) in an arrangement suchthat the cam device (17) is movably driven or translated in a firstdirection (17 f) together with movement in the first direction (6 f) ofthe input device (5 i) and movably driven or translated in a secondopposite direction (17 o) together with movement in the oppositedirection (6 o) of the input device (5 i).